Crime & Justice

California prison guard severely injured in inmate attack

Authorities say the inmate rushed a control booth during an afternoon shift change Monday at the state prison in Lancaster. The 32-year-old inmate punched the officer in the face, knocked him to the ground and then stomped on his face.
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AP|November 22, 2017

California officials say an inmate is suspected of attacking and severely injuring a correctional officer at a prison north of Los Angeles.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says the inmate rushed a control booth during an afternoon shift change Monday at the state prison in Lancaster.

Authorities say the 32-year-old inmate punched the officer in the face, knocked him to the ground and then stomped on his face.

An alarm was activated and guards fired a non-lethal round at the attacking inmate and subdued him.

The officer suffered a fractured bone in his face. He's expected to survive.

The inmate was treated for bruises and transferred to a segregation unit at the state prison in Corcoran. Officials say he's serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for rape.